Il press Pack IBC 2010 di Sonnet

Sonnet Fusion™ RX1600 Vfibre™ Video Editing SAN Server Supports 4K Workflow, Supports Fibre and Ethernet Users

IRVINE, Calif. — Sept. 10, 2010 — Sonnet Technologies announces the Fusion™ RX1600 Vfibre™, a high-performance, expandable 16-drive RAID video editing SAN server with multi-user Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity built in. This 4U rackmount system integrates Tiger Technology® metaSAN Storage Area Network (SAN) Server software with an ATTO dual RAID controller-equipped SAS/SATA storage system. Capable of supporting a 4K workflow or multi-stream, multi-user collaborative workflows, Fusion RX1600 Vfibre provides direct connection for up to twelve 8Gb Fibre Channel users and 6 Gb/s aggregate bandwidth for users connected via Gigabit Ethernet.

"Our Fusion RX1600Fibre customers requested the capability to build the SAN server software into the storage unit itself and also to serve Ethernet as well as Fibre users. We did both with the Fusion RX1600 Vfibre," said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. "Furthermore, the RX1600 Vfibre delivers 65 percent more performance than our acclaimed RX1600Fibre."

Optimized for video editing, the base configuration Fusion RX1600 Vfibre provides four Fibre Channel ports, expandable to twelve — additional Fibre users can be served with a Fibre Channel switch. Fusion RX1600 Vfibre supports multipath I/O to enhance performance and fault tolerance, combining data paths from two or more FC ports to increase performance to support a 4K workflow, and provide redundancy in case of a cable malfunction, which is the leading cause of storage connection failure.

The Fusion RX1600 Vfibre video editing SAN server employs Tiger Technology's metaSAN, a high-speed file sharing SAN management application, setting a new standard for cross-platform workgroup collaboration. Available for Mac OS® X, Windows®, and Linux® users connected via Fibre, metaSAN enables multiple users to simultaneously access a common pool of data files as easily and transparently as if the content was stored on their computer's local drive. The metaSAN deployed on Fusion RX1600 Vfibre makes it the dedicated metadata master for the group, ensuring maximum CPU availability for SAN services and allowing client workstations to connect and shut down at will. This also enables client workstations connected via Fibre to render without affecting the Fusion system's ability to serve data to other connected workstations.

"Tiger is thrilled to see Sonnet bringing to market this powerful and flexible SAN-in-a-box," says Bernard Lamborelle, director of sales at Tiger Technology. "By integrating the most complex SAN components (RAID, switch, and metadata master) in a single unit, the Fusion RX1600 Vfibre offers unmatched ease of integration and exceptional value to anyone wanting high-performance file-level sharing without the intricacies often associated with more conventional setups."

Each workstation connecting to the RX1600 Vfibre over Fibre Channel requires a 1-port or 2-port Fibre Channel host adapter, a metaSAN client license, and a Gigabit Ethernet port dedicated for metadata use. Users accessing files stored on Fusion RX1600 Vfibre through its Gigabit Ethernet ports may copy files using Windows Server 2008 file services, or can purchase Tiger Technology metaLAN software to gain block level access to the SAN storage pool and work directly with the files on the Sonnet system.

The Fusion RX1600 Vfibre provides flexible storage pool configuration. The storage pool is formatted with an easy-to-use integrated system setup, management, and diagnostics configuration application. RAID group partitioning support increases storage efficiency by providing more logical unit numbers (LUNs) without the need to use lower-capacity RAID groups. MetaSAN manages shared storage access the same as any local drive. Standard OS account management tools are used to grant or deny access to the individual users. Integrating additional storage capacity is economical and nearly as easy as attaching a Fusion RX1600 Expansion system with two cables. Fusion RX1600 Vfibre also scales to support many more users with the addition of Fibre switch.

Sonnet's Fusion RX1600 Vfibre's 16 RAID storage drives are controlled by dual ATTO Technology RAID controllers. Featuring ATTO's exclusive Advanced Data Streaming (ADS™) technology, these controllers provide controlled transfer acceleration for steady data streaming, especially important when working with video. ADS compensates for data transfer rate peaks and drops, maintaining a consistent data flow to allow more streams for the bandwidth available. The RAID controllers provide tunable rebuild priority, enabling the Sonnet system to deliver full performance to users during a RAID group rebuild, unlike general-purpose shared storage systems that typically experience a severe drop in performance during a rebuild.

The Sonnet Fusion RX1600 Vfibre is compatible with Mac OS X and OS X Server Versions 10.5+ (including Snow Leopard®); Windows Server 2008, 7, Vista®, Server 2003, and XP Professional; and many Linux operating systems. It works with mainstream video editing applications including Apple® Final Cut Pro®, and Adobe® Premiere® Pro.

Sonnet Fusion RX1600 Vfibre with either 16TB or 32TB capacity is expected to be available Q4 2010. Pricing is to be announced.

For more information about Sonnet Technologies' products, visit www.sonnettech.com.

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About Tiger Technology
Founded in 2003, Tiger Technology OOD is a privately held company now based in Sofia, Bulgaria. It delivers new technologies and OEM solutions in the field of storage area networking. The company's flagship product metaSAN builds upon years of SAN-related expertise. It is used by thousands of digital content creation facilities and enterprise professionals involved with handling large bandwidth files. metaSAN is a unique, cross-platform, hardware-agnostic, high-speed file sharing SAN management solution that sets new standards for workgroup collaboration and reliability. For further information on Tiger Technology please visit www.tiger-technology.com.

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PRESS RELEASE #2 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

www.wallstcom.com/Sonnet/Qio_MR.zip

Sonnet Introduces Qio™ MR Professional Media Reader for PC Users

Award-Winning System Installs in PC Mobile Rack, Now Windows®-Compatible

IRVINE, Calif. — Sept. 10, 2010 — Sonnet Technologies today announced the latest addition to its Qio™ line of professional universal media reader/writers: the Qio MR. For PC users, Qio MR is the industry's first device to combine a card reader that supports all the major HD video memory card formats in one compact, mobile rack-mounted unit, providing a convenient and high-speed alternative to stand-alone card readers and various adapters.

The Sonnet Qio MR supports the industry's foremost HD video memory card formats, including Sony® SxS™, CompactFlash®, Panasonic P2, and SDXC™ (with included SDXC adaptor), with two slots for each (SDXC shared with SxS) and the ability to transfer data from all cards concurrently. Users can copy files between any cards, the computer's hard drive, or attached drives with aggregate bandwidth of up to 200 MB/sec. Designed for in-studio use, the compact Qio MR takes up one standard 5.25-inch mobile rack in desktops and tower PC cases, and it uses one PCIe x1 slot.

The Qio MR connects to a PC through an included PCIe interface adapter card. Qio MR extends the computer's 2.5 Gbps PCIe bus outside the expansion bay, effectively adding expansion slots to the front of the PC and making it easy for users to swap out adapter cards without having to open the computer's case. The unit's SxS and P2 slots also accept ExpressCard/34 adapters and CardBus cards, respectively.

"For desktop PC users, Qio MR provides all the capabilities and advantages of the original Qio Mac® that users have come to appreciate in an easy-to-install, Windows®-compatible package," said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. "Studios utilizing multiple cameras and card formats will immediately benefit from a more efficient workflow, using this product to read the various cards while gaining the ability to swap out adapter cards without opening the computer. With a PCIe interface for speedy data transfers, backups are faster and efficiency is dramatically improved."

The Qio MR is compatible with Windows 7, Vista®, and Server® 2008. In addition, Windows 7 and Vista compatibility will be available for all Qio units via driver download on Sonnet's website (www.sonnettech.com) on the release date of Qio MR. The Qio MR will be available in November, with an included Sonnet SDXC memory card reader, at a suggested retail price of $999.

More information about Sonnet Qio MR universal digital video media reader and Sonnet's other products is available at www.sonnettech.com.

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PRESS RELEASE #3 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

www.wallstcom.com/Sonnet/Qio_E3.zip

Sonnet Introduces Cost-Effective SxS Reader to Qio™ Series

Device is Industry's First Compact ExpressCard®/34 Expander

IRVINE, Calif. — Sept. 10, 2010 — Sonnet Technologies today announced that the company is expanding its Qio™ series of professional universal media reader/writers with the introduction of the new Qio E3. Providing a cost-effective, high-speed alternative to stand-alone card readers for videographers and studios, the E3 is the first 3-slot SxS™ reader that doubles as a 3-slot bus expansion system for ExpressCard®/34 adapters.

Sonnet's Qio E3 provides users with the ability to transfer data concurrently from three SxS cards for Sony® HD DV camcorders, thereby dramatically increasing efficiency. Users can copy files between any cards and the computer with aggregate bandwidth of up to 200 MB/sec. The unit's slots also accept ExpressCard/34 adapters, enabling the use of WiFi, FireWire®, USB, Gigabit Ethernet, and others, regardless of the interfaces present on the computer. Users can even transfer files from SxS media while using ExpressCard/34 adapters. Designed for both in-studio and on-location use, the E3 features a rugged, compact case with the same 15-cm (5.9-inches) by 16-cm (6.2-inches) footprint as the original Qio, but with half the profile.

Qio E3 connects to a computer through an included ExpressCard/34 for notebooks or a PCIe interface adapter card for desktops. The included adapter extends the computer's 2.5 Gbps PCIe bus outside the computer to the Qio E3 enclosure, effectively adding expansion slots outside the computer and enabling users to easily swap out adapter cards without having to open up the computer's case.

"For our customers who do not require the full feature set of the original Qio, the cost-effective E3 allows them to receive the functionality they need, without paying for the features they don't," said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. "In particular, the E3 is ideal for studios that only utilize Sony XDCAM EX™ camcorders, where the unit provides incredibly fast transfers for increased efficiency."

Compatible with Mac OS® X v10.4+ (including Snow Leopard®), Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista®, and Server 2008. Qio E3 will be available in November 2010 at a suggested retail price of $599 with either an internal PCIe interface card or an ExpressCard/34 interface card.

More information on Sonnet and its products is available at www.sonnettech.com.

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PRESS RELEASE #4 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sonnet Signs Distribution Agreement With U.K.-based Holdan Limited

IRVINE, Calif. — Sept. 10, 2010 — Sonnet Technologies today announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Holdan Limited, a specialist distributor of video editing and post-production equipment in the United Kingdom. Under the agreement, Holdan will provide distribution and sales support functions for Sonnet's entire line of storage systems to the company's network of resellers in the U.K. and Belgium.

Holdan's Sonnet offering includes the Fusion™ line of high-performance, cost-effective, and reliable desktop and rackmount RAID storage solutions. The devices range from two-drive portable solutions to four-drive units with quad interfaces to eight- and 16-drive solutions with internal SAS expanders. Also included in Holdan's offering will be Sonnet's Qio™ professional universal media reader/writer and 16-drive FusionRX1600Fibre Shared Fibre Channel storage systems.

Available in 16TB or 32TB configurations, the RX1600Fibre can provide direct, high-speed access to assets for up to four users without a dedicated server or an added Fibre switch. Employing a four-port 8Gb Fibre Channel interface, the Fusion RX1600Fibre offers speed and flexibility delivering aggregate bandwidth up to 1,000 MB/sec read, and up to 100 percent more streams to multiple simultaneous users than general-purpose shared storage systems. Integrated SAS expanders enable RX1600 Expansion enclosures to be connected, while RAID 5 and RAID 6 formatting support, SCSI Enclosure Services (SES) 2.0 compliance, and enhanced S.M.A.R.T. data reporting offer increased reliability.

Sonnet's Qio is a convenient and high-speed alternative to stand-alone card readers, SATA controllers, and various adapters, combining their functionality in a compact rugged case. Qio supports major HD video memory card formats — Sony®SxS™, Panasonic®P2, CompactFlash®, and SDXC — with two slots for each (SDXC shared with SxS) and the ability to transfer data from all cards concurrently. Users can copy files between any cards, attached drives, or host computer with aggregate bandwidth of up to 210 MB/sec.

"As file-based production becomes the norm and continues to grow along with media archives, the need for video storage grows with it," said Allan Leonhardsen, sales and marketing director for Holdan Limited. "We are very excited to offer Sonnet's line of ultra-fast and reliable RAID storage products for both Mac®and PC users through our extensive reseller network. Thanks to Sonnet's training program, our pre-sales team is ready to assist customers in finding the right solution for any job, big or small."

"Over the last 14 years, Holdan has become one of the leading distributors of semi-professional and professional video hardware and software, and we are very excited to add our storage solutions to their product offering," said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. "For our customers in the U.K. and Belgium, this partnership will ensure greater access to our products and convenient post-sale support."

Established in 1996, Holdan's range of video editing and post-production solutions offers exceptional quality and innovation, encompassing equipment from acquisition to video storage and media management. The company provides a high level of pre- and post-sale support with a dedicated team offering service on all of their products.

More information on the Fusion line of RAID storage solutions and Qio is available on Sonnet's website at www.sonnettech.com.

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About Sonnet Technologies
Sonnet Technologies Inc. of Irvine, Calif., is a leader in providing storage systems for professional users of Macintosh®, Windows®, and UNIX® systems in the film, video, and broadcast industries. Since its founding in 1986, Sonnet has pioneered and brought to market innovative solutions that enhance the performance and connectivity of Macintosh and industry-standard computers. Today, the company is a world-leading computer hardware upgrade company with a product line featuring a range of high-performance, cost-effective, and reliable storage solutions, as well as a variety of performance-extending upgrade cards. More information is available at www.sonnettech.com.